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Planning an Activity

Planning an Activity

In planning an educational activity, the first question that needs to be answered is WHY are we doing this? What professional practice gap has been identified? What do physicians need to know, understand, change their behavior regarding this need? Developing a needs assessment based on this gap and then identifying the underlying problem or learning needs builds the foundation of all activities. From these, objectives and goals are developed, content, learning methodology and assessment of the program.

EVMS CME follows the ACCME's Essential Areas and policies in developing educational programming for physicians as evidenced by the EVMS CME Application‌. These include:

ESSENTIAL AREA 1: Purpose and Mission

Element 1.1Have a written statement of its CME mission, which includes the CME purpose, content areas, target audience, type of activities provided, and expected results of the program.

Element 1.2Demonstrate how the CME Mission is congruent with and supported by the mission of the parent organization, if a parent organization exists.

ESSENTIAL AREA 2: Educational Planning and Evaluation

Element 2.1Use a planning process(es) that links identified educational needs with a desired result in its provision of all CME activities.

Element 2.2Use needs assessment data to plan CME activities.

Element 2.3Communicate the purpose or objectives of the activity so the learner is informed before participating in the activity.

Element 2.4Evaluate the effectiveness of its CME activities in meeting identified educational needs.

Element 2.5Evaluate the effectiveness of its overall CME program and make improvements to the program.

ESSENTIAL AREA 3: Administration

Element 3.1Have an organizational framework for the CME unit that provides the necessary resources to support its mission including support by the parent organization, if a parent organization exists.

Element 3.2Operate the business and management policies and procedures of its CME program (as they relate to human resources, financial affairs and legal obligations), so that its obligations and commitments are met.

Element 3.3Present CME activities in compliance with the ACCME's policies for disclosure and commercial support. (Review full ACCME Standards for Commercial Support of Continuing Medical Education)